I guess my writing style is called “narrative non-fiction,” because I take events from my life, and I recreate them in a hopefully interesting and dramatic fashion. That comes from reading a lot of David Sedaris, Dave Eggers, and other authors who get to swim in that great pool of writing while I watch through the fence. I can see that influence in the stories that I put in Dancing Barefoot, and in weblog entries like The Trade and Fireworks. It’s a fine line that I dance across, where I allow myself to be inspired and compelled to write without just being derivative.
One of the great bits of advice Stephen King gives us in his “On Writing” book is to read and read and read, because it makes you a better writer. (I have always preferred reading to TV and movies . . . I wonder if that preference contributed to my lack of success in the entertainment industry? They say that actors should watch lots of other actors, and directors should watch lots of other directors . . . hrmmm. Interesting. But not what this post is about.)
I’ve always been a reader. When I was a kid, I was allowed to stay up as late as I wanted, as long as I was reading, so I still read every night before I go to bed. I often find myself sitting between a cold mug of tea and a dying fire well past midnight, lost in some other author’s world, hours after I told Anne, “I’ll be right there.”
Night before last, I was reading “Wizard and Glass” (Part IV of The Dark Tower series) and I hit the book’s point of no return; that place where something happens and I become consumed by the story. I can’t put the book down, and when I am forced to, the characters live in my mind, sometimes to the point of serious distraction during my day.
All day yesterday, in an effort to leave Roland and Susan and Bert and Mid World behind for a few hours, I thought about other books I’ve read, and what their points of no return were. I share them now, off the top of my head, without going to the bookshelf to cheat. I think I’ll recall the Point of Intrigue as well as the Point of No Return, because this is my blog and I say so. Nyahh.
Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes
POI – the first time Morpheus spoke, and it was in such wonderful lettering, I knew that I was in for something wonderful.
PONR – When Morpheus goes into Hades, and all three incarnations of Satan speak to him, I was hooked.
Neverwhere:
POI – I can’t recall. It must have happened when I read the back.
PONR – “Mind the Gap.”
American Gods:
POI – When Shadow gets called into the Warden’s office for early release.
PONR – On the airplane, when Odin addresses Shadow by name.
I swear, I’ve read stuff by authors who are not named Neil Gaiman. Witness:
Best American Non-Required Reading 2002
POI – “Edited by Dave Eggers.”
PONR – In his introduction, Dave Eggers talks about floating in a stolen swimming pool at night. His description of the blue light shimmering on the walls was perfect.
The Gunslinger:
POI and PONR- “The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.” I love that line so much, I can quote it in my sleep.
Fables:
POI – You mean it’s like fairy tales, but they live in the real world?
PONR – Bigby Wolf is a detective? Where do I sign?
Ringworld:
POI – It’s a solid ring, one Earth-orbit in circumference.
PONR – Fist of God.
Hitchhiker’s Guide:
POI – Don’t Panic!
PONR – When the Vogons tell Arthur that the plans to demolish Earth are exactly the same as the plans to demolish his house.
Okay, I could easily go on for days like this, but I’ll end now with the my current read, because I bet this is more interesting to me than anyone reading it.
Wizard and Glass:
POI – I had to find out how they beat Blaine the Mono.
PONR – Dinner at the Mayor’s mansion, when Roland dances with Susan.
Have a great weekend everybody. If you need me, I’ll be in my reading in my chair.